Dan’s Rescue Story
My name is Dan, and I’m a three year-old, handsome “wadi” dog from Oman.
Possibly my “worst day ever” turned in to my “best day ever” when my rescuer saved me – literally – from three teenagers who had tied me up and were using my head as a soccer ball. You read that correctly; my head was the ball. Sadly, my left eye sustained major trauma. It had popped out of the socket. My rescuer and I thought for sure it would need to be removed, but a talented, compassionate vet was able to save it! Although I am blind in that eye, and it is a blueish color, I am super thankful to still have it.
I have gained awesome confidence with my rescuer’s love and guidance! I was an anxious fella when I first joined her home, but she says that now I am a “very happy dog who loves to eat ice cubes and play with people.” I love to run! I am learning basic commands, such as “sit” and “stay,” and I enjoy napping in my crate. In the car, I get super excited for taking rides! I am quite the people-pleaser, and I love being petted and taking care of “my” people. With dogs and cats, I behave very well and play for hours, but I require proper, gentle introduction to new friends. All my memories from the street are not forgotten; I sometimes feel worried about trusting new people and animal friends. (If your head was used for soccer practice, I’m sure you’d be nervous, too!) My ideal Forever Home will help me learn that most humans cherish their pets. I can’t wait to meet you soon!
Oman is an Arab country in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It has wonderful national treasures, vivid landscapes… and thousands of “wadi” – or street – dogs. These wadi dogs can be seen virtually everywhere. Unfortunately, they face the same plight as dogs in many Muslim countries where they are generally viewed as unclean and not fit to be pets. Dog ownership is rare, and when they are owned, dogs are usually not allowed in the house. Pets are viewed more commonly as guard dogs who roam the outside vicinity of the property. The government doesn’t have humane animal welfare laws, and, worse yet, police have open rights to shoot “any and all” street dogs. There is no requirement that the dogs have to be a nuisance or sick; rather, they will be killed just for having the unfortunate luck of being born on the streets in Oman. It is a common practice. Many wadi dogs suffer a slow, painful death caused by festering gunshot wounds. If a gunshot does not kill them, street dogs die of disease, starvation, abuse by people, vehicles, and extreme weather conditions. In the summer, the temperature can easily soar to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Omani street dogs do not survive beyond the age of three.
Rescue Partner: Nicolle Cilley
Arrival: October 1, 2017
Age and Weight: 3 years-old and 40 pounds